Snap-on sponsored NHRA Funny Car driver Cruz Pedregon and Snap-on sponsored Team Penske driver Joey Logano swapped racing roles today when Pedregon got behind the wheel of a Sprint Cup Series car and Logano powered a Cobra Jet during the “Snap-on Seat Swap.” The event offered Pedregon the opportunity to “take turns” at Charlotte Motor Speedway and Logano runs down the quarter on the neighboring zMAX Dragway prior to this weekend’s NHRA 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte.
“This Snap-on Seat Swap challenge demonstrates a passion for the sport of professional racing,” says Yvette Morrison, vice president of marketing, Snap-on Tools. “We are familiar with the enthusiasm professional drivers have for motorsports in general. This event provided a rare opportunity for two leaders in their sport to showcase their driving talents in completely different equipment and track venues. As a sponsor of both drivers, it is exciting that we can share this challenge with motorsports fans everywhere.”
Pedregon, who comes from a family of drag racers, walked Logano through the car before heading to the pit to fire up the Cobra Jet and go through the steps of making a pass. Pedregon and Logano made several practice runs in a side-by-side Cobra Jet before the Daytona 500 winner took three drag racing runs on his own. The session ended at zMAX with Pedregon, a two-time Funny Car champion, making a solo run before lunch.
Logano followed by walking Pedregon through the garage area at Charlotte Motor Speedway, giving him the rundown of a Sprint Cup Series car. Pedregon rode with Logano around the 1.5 mile oval, before making three solo runs.
Each driver held a friendly debriefing to evaluate the other’s performance behind the wheel. “There’s nothing I love more than drag racing,” Pedregon said. “But I got my start racing a truck, and I really like any professional opportunity that allows me to get behind a wheel and put my racing expertise to the test. Joey’s got the skills and intuition that far exceed his years, and I had a lot of fun turning left for a day.”
“It was a pretty awesome experience for sure,” said Logano. “I’ve been to several NHRA drag races and had the chance to stand on the starting line and feel the power those cars have. So to get a chance to take a couple of passes in the Cobra Jet was intense. I can only imagine what it’s like to sit behind the wheel of a race-ready Funny Car or Top Fuel Dragster. Those of us who compete in a form of motorsports always wonder what it’s like to drive another type of car. Hopefully, Cruz got that experience today. I know I did for sure.”
Both drivers said the Snap-on Seat Swap was a great example of the collaborative spirit that exists in motorsports and between sponsors, drivers, teams and tracks.
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